September marks the beginning of the Concordia Stingers men's hockey season, and for Anthony Beauchamp the 2019-20 campaign comes with an extra source of motivation.
Beauchamp, a second-year forward with the Stingers, lost his grandfather René Chasles to complications related to Alzheimer’s disease on Jan. 3, 2009. Like many Canadians, his life has been deeply affected by the illness.
Despite being just 10 years old when he lost his grandfather, the Thurso, Que. native credits Chasles with mentoring him as a child and providing him with valuable life lessons. Even his play on the ice has been influenced by his grandfather. Beauchamp describes his idol as a hard-worker and brings the same approach to his style of play on the ice.
This season, Beauchamp’s efforts will go beyond the walls of Ed Meagher Arena. He is partnering with the Alzheimer Society of Canada to raise awareness and funds. Sept. 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day, and Concordia will host a preseason game versus the UQTR Patriotes at 5 p.m. at the Ed Meagher Arena. Join the Stingers to show support for Beauchamp and the Alzheimer’s society. Information will be available and donations will be accepted at the door.
Beauchamp has also set up a fundraiser on his Facebook page. He hopes his initiative will raise more than $1000. He will collect donations through the end of the month.
This is not the first time the Applied Human Science has made his presence felt outside of the rink. While playing with the Baie Comeau Drakkar in the QMJHL, Beauchamp was awarded the team’s Humanitarian Award for his work in the community.
“As an athlete, I feel it is important to get involved in the community,” he said. “It is more than just an on-ice game and it is important to give back.”
His grandfather’s death along with a tragic accident involving a close friend have encouraged Beauchamp to put matters into perspective.
“Every tough situation I go through makes me remember how lucky I am to be healthy and of the opportunity I have to play for the Stingers,” admitted Beauchamp.
Since its establishment in 1978, the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada has become the leading not-for-profit health organization across the country, dedicated to helping improve the lives of those dealing with Alzheimer's disease. More than half a million Canadians currently live with dementia - plus about 25,000 new cases are diagnosed every year.
Story by Evan Milner
